The Faculty of Science / the Institute for Biology is looking for a :

Principle Investigator/Tenure tracker/Full professor: Urban Ecology

Vacancy number: 23-077

Project description
Understanding ecological processes that affect biodiversity in urban and other human-altered environments is key to managing animal and human welfare. We are therefore seeking to hire a principle investigator in the field of Urban Ecology. The career perspective and nature of appointment can vary depending on the cv of the candidate and we welcome applications of the young and ambitious as well as the more senior and established. In any way, we aim to hire a scientist with an independent and distinct research line, eager to collaborate, with interdisciplinary interests, in any of the following areas: contemporary evolution, biodiversity management, plant-animal interactions, global warming, health benefits of nature and biodiversity; environmental psychology, eDNA, landscape modelling, ecosystem services.  

Key responsibilities:

•    Lead research activities in Urban Ecology and Biodiversity Management
•    Acquire funding with personal and collaborative grants
•    Collaborate within and outside the IBL theme of Evolution & Biodiversity
•    Supervise PhD-students, undergraduate and graduate student projects
•    Participate in teaching Ecology at BSc- and MSc-level at Leiden University

Selection Criteria 

•    PhD degree in biology, environmental sciences, or a related field;
•    International publication and presentation record in Urban Ecology;
•    Track record in or affinity for both fundamental and applied research;
•    Experience with and ability to interact with stakeholders;
•    Ability to apply ecological knowledge or affinity with ecological theory;
•    Ability to foster an inspiring working environment for a research team, in which PhDs and postdocs feel supported and have the ability to thrive;
•    Experience and affinity with teaching at BSc and/or MSc level;
•    Energetic ‘out-of-the-box’ thinker with a clear view on a challenging research and education program;
•    A networker who can readily engage in collaborations within and outside our institute;
•    Experience with project and management tasks;
•    Excellent command of the English language;
•    A good command of the Dutch language, or prepared to learn the Dutch language.

Our organisation
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future. 
The research carried out at the faculty is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight BSc and twelve MSc programmes. The faculty has grown in recent years and now has almost 2,800 staff and over 6,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

The Institute for Biology 
The research within the Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) aims to work on the science base of biodiversity and health, which is reflected in our leading principle Harnessing Biodiversity for Health. We perform innovative curiosity-driven research to answer fundamental questions, and solutions-driven research to help solving major societal challenges. The latter include protecting nature’s biodiversity, creating sustainable biotechnology and agriculture and increasing good health. Our research focuses on four Research Themes: Bioactive Molecules, Host-Microbe Interactions, Development & Disease and Evolution & Biodiversity. Located in a thriving scientific environment with our Faculty of Sciences,  Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, the Leiden University Medical Centre and the Leiden Bioscience Park, IBL offers an exciting, internationally oriented and inclusive place to work and study. 

Terms and conditions
The successful candidate will be offered a position as principal investigator, at a level that depends on her/his track record. We offer a five- to six-year term position, with the possibility of a tenured position subsequently. The monthly salary ranges from € 3,974 to € 6,181 depending on experience, corresponding to scale 11-12 for assistant professors. Salaries and conditions are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax reduction. 

Leiden University requires teaching staff to obtain the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ). If the successful applicant does not already possess this qualification or its equivalent, he/she must be willing to obtain this certificate within two years. Within two years, a Dutch language proficiency of minimally level B2 is required. 

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups. 

The Faculty of Science strives for excellence in a caring institute. We wish to reflect society in all aspects, as we believe that this improves the dynamics in our organization. Therefore, we support and understand the need for a work/life/family balance and consequently varying working hours and places. We believe that doing good science is fun, and goes hand in hand with an ambitious yet friendly culture.

Information
Inquiries about the position can be made to Prof.dr. Hans Slabbekoorn ( h.w.slabbekoorn@biology.leidenuniv.nl ). If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Sylvia Maas ( jobs@biology.leidenuniv.nl ).

Applications 
To apply for this vacancy, please send an email to jobs@biology.leidenuniv.nl. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents (combined in a single PDF file) quoting the vacancy number:
•    A motivation letter;
•    A description of research interests and experience;
•    A full CV (including a list of publications, and the names and addresses of at least two persons who have agreed to be contacted for references).
     
Only applications received on or before 13 March 2023 can be considered.